Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Students in Montgomery County will have a chance to receive free meals this coming summer through a combination of programs.
In cooperation with Feeding Southwest Virginia and Amazon, free meals will be available to everyone. The school board heard details for the plan during its regularly scheduled meeting this past week.
All summer schools will be offered free breakfast and lunch to attending students. Eastern Montgomery Elementary, Falling Branch Elementary, Blacksburg Elementary, Christiansburg Middle and Montgomery Central school locations qualify under the Summer Food Service Program. Those at Auburn High and Kipps Elementary schools are also eligible.
During summer school, all SFSP qualifying schools must open daily to the community for free breakfast and lunch. Community hours will be 9-10 am for breakfast and 12:45 – 1:45 p.m. for lunch. This allows any adult, group or organization in communities to bring children 18 years of age or younger, for a free breakfast and/or lunch. Meals must be consumed on site.
Under the program, these free meals will continue after summer school. Meals will be available at Shawsville Middle and Belview Elementary and Belmont Christian Church.
For seven consecutive Mondays, starting June 22, parents and/or guardians, can come and receive seven days of breakfast and lunch meals. Children do not need to be present. Child’s name and age will be recorded at the time of pick up.
The additional plan would be in cooperation with the Amazon Delivery Network and all children 1-18 are eligible.
The child is not eligible while they are receiving meals through a summer school program.
Registration is an easy process and families only need provide the following information:
Student name and a primary address and a phone number (to contact for shipping errors).
All meal boxes are delivered directly to each registered child using the Amazon Delivery Network.
What comes in the boх: seven shelf stable breakfasts and suppers and food is selected based on USDA’s nutrition standards for summer meals
Registration dates are June 8 and June 22. For more information, contact the school board office.
The school board also discussed a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for the next year in the neighborhood of $7.936 million. The meat of the CIP deals with the infrastructure at Shawsville Middle School where hot water heaters will be replaced along with exterior stairs at a price tag of $2 million.
Aging tennis courts at Christiansburg and Eastern Montgomery high schools. All of the work would be done in the Summer of 2027.
The Montgomery County school system also recognized two employees as leaders of the year.
This award complements the annual Teacher of the Year and Support Staff Employee of the Year recognitions. Earlier this spring, MCPS employees had the opportunity to nominate an outstanding leader in the school division for recognition. A committee reviewed the candidates and selected two individuals as MCPS Leaders of the Year, one as an instructional leader and one as an operational leader.
Brandon Keith, Principal of Shawsville Middle School, has been named the MCPS Instructional Leader of the Year, recognized for his transformative leadership, steadfast commitment to student success, and ability to create a supportive, inclusive school culture.
According to information from the district, Keith was distinguished by his hands-on approach and deep personal investment in his school community and makes it a priority to know every student by name and to cultivate a positive, welcoming environment.
“His leadership is defined by a collaborative approach that empowers staff, strengthens relationships, and maintains a clear focus on improving student achievement. Through his work facilitating Professional Learning Communities, improving school operations, or going above and beyond to ensure students feel seen and supported, Keith exemplifies professionalism and an unwavering commitment to his students and staff.”
Eddie Walters, Director of Transportation, has been named MCPS Operational Leader of the Year in recognition of his decades of dedicated service, steadfast commitment to student safety, and strong advocacy for the well-being and professional support of his staff. A trusted and respected leader within the school division, according to the award, Walters is known for his proactive approach to operational excellence, often beginning his days as early as 4 a.m. to monitor conditions and ensure the safe transport of students during inclement weather.
“His leadership reflects a service-oriented mindset, in which he has initiated meaningful improvements, such as implementing county-owned fuel centers and improving compensation and benefits for bus drivers and transportation staff. Through his emphasis on respect, teamwork, and professional growth, Walters has strengthened the efficiency and reliability of the MCPS transportation system and cultivated a team that feels valued, supported, and committed to the shared mission of serving MCPS students.”
